Karen O'Sickey

216-554-4995
koc0170c@westpost.net
PROJECT MANAGER / SENIOR SYSTEMS ANALYST
Over 20 years of project management experience in IT, finance, clinical research
, manufacturing & insurance. Small business ownership emphasizing a visionary y
et action-oriented style. Broad based technical experience as an analyst and de
veloper in a variety of application and database platforms. Highly successful de
veloping positive relationships with internal and external customers, vendors, a
nd colleagues. Excellent IT/business liaison.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
2008 - 2010
IT Project Manager
Reporting to the Finance Director of Research Operations, charged with managing
a three-tiered web-based system used primarily for clinical research billing and
budgeting purposes by over 500 internal customers of various levels and discipl
ines.
* Gained quicker post-training usage of very difficult system by implementing pr
ocess-focused education program.
* Improved quality of help desk support to by including just-in-time training as
a value-added service.
* Created SharePoint site to track help desk issues and manage user service requ
ests.
* Managed a smooth implementation of a major system upgrade through the introduc
tion of comprehensive system testing, numerous user community demos, and coordin
ation of off-hour implementation.
* Enhanced the integration of the Chargemaster files into the financial system f
or clinical research projects. Managed 1 programmer on this project.
* Demonstrated the reporting potential of the system by creating various prototy
pe management reports.
* Participated in vendor financial advisory group to provide input on strategic
product initiatives and requirements.
* Responsible for troubleshooting key technical issues on behalf of the vendor a
nd user community. Collaborated with vendor and in-house technical support on s
teps towards preventive solutions.
* Added formal structure to department by developing detailed written instructio
ns, system documentation, and change tracking tools.
* Developed and managed project plan for the technical proof of concept and prot
otype of the research billing checklist web form.
Dakar Machine Corporation, Solon, OH
2000 - 2008
Co-Owner
Led a small family-owned machining firm established in 1985 that provided custom
aluminum and plastics machining services to various industries including constr
uction, plastics, and healthcare. Managed a workforce of up to 25. Assets and
operations sold in 2008.
* Transformed a disorganized, seniority-based shop into an orderly, self-suffici
ent operation.
* Productivity increased 60% (sales revenue per person).
* Improved customer on-time delivery 96% (from 50%-98%).
* Reduced the average number of customer returns to less than 2 per month.
* Reduced annual drop in workplace accidents to zero.
* Directed the engineering department to standardize and automate the manual mac
hining operations that resulted in shop floor efficiencies.
* Eliminated late delivery problem by utilizing the ERP system for production pl
anning and scheduling. Introduced load balancing, lead-time and lag time techni
ques to aid in promising and meeting due dates.
* Led, attained, and maintained ISO 9001 certification.
* Energized the workforce by placing people in their desired areas and delegated
work based on their strengths.
* Provided strategic organizational direction through development and benchmarki
ng of company vision, mission, strategies, goals, and core values.
Progressive Insurance, Mayfield Village, OH
1986 - 1999
Applications Programmer / Analyst
Held various programmer/analyst positions in the IS division.
* Managed small projects and performed one or all phases of SDLC including analy
sis, design, development, implementation, and support of enterprise and departme
nt systems.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Applications:
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, Microsoft Visio, Microso
ft SharePoint, Velos eResearch, Craneware, IRB Webkit, ShopTech E2 ERP System, B
ar-coding & Label Printing Software
Databases:
Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, IDMS
Programming:
SQL, PL/SQL, XML/XSL, HTML, Crystal Reports, Microsoft Visual Studio C#, Microso
ft Visual C++, IBM MQSeries, Visualage SmallTalk, MicroFocus, COBOL, MVS/COBOL,
CICS, IDMS/ADSO, JCL
Testing Tools: Mercury WinRunner, Mercury LoadRunner
EDUCATION
Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in Management Information Services (MIS
)
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics
Allegheny College, Meadville, PA
ACTIVITIES
Active Girl Scout Volunteer